How Do ADHD Medications Affect Anxiety and Depression in Children?

What you need to know

• The research found no clear evidence that ADHD medications increase anxiety or depression in children and teens
• Only 11% of ADHD medication trials examined mental health effects, limiting our understanding
• More consistent measurement and reporting of mental health outcomes in ADHD medication trials is needed

Understanding the Concern

As a parent whose child has been prescribed ADHD medication, you may worry about potential emotional side effects. Anxiety and depression are listed as common side effects of ADHD medications, which can be concerning since children with ADHD already have higher rates of these conditions compared to other children. But what does the research actually tell us about this risk?

What the Research Examined

This study systematically reviewed clinical trials testing ADHD medications in children and adolescents, specifically looking at effects on anxiety and depression. The researchers analyzed two types of data:

1. Scores from validated psychological questionnaires measuring anxiety and depression symptoms
2. Side effect rating scales where clinicians or parents noted presence of anxiety or depression

They focused on high-quality randomized controlled trials comparing ADHD medications to placebos (inactive pills).

Key Findings

The analysis found no significant differences in anxiety or depression between children taking ADHD medications versus placebos. This was true whether looking at psychological questionnaires or side effect ratings.

However, there’s an important caveat: Of all the ADHD medication trials reviewed, only 11% actually measured and reported mental health outcomes. Many studies that did measure anxiety and depression didn’t report their results.

Research Limitations

This gap in reporting creates a major limitation in our understanding. When so few studies track mental health effects, it’s difficult to draw firm conclusions about safety. The studies that did report outcomes also used different measurement methods, making it challenging to combine and compare results.

What This Means for You

While this research is reassuring in finding no clear link between ADHD medications and increased anxiety or depression, it also highlights the need for better monitoring of emotional effects. Here are some practical takeaways:

• Discuss any concerns about emotional side effects with your child’s healthcare provider
• Monitor and report changes in your child’s mood or anxiety levels while on medication
• Consider using standardized rating scales to track emotional symptoms over time
• Remember that untreated ADHD itself can contribute to anxiety and depression
• Work with providers to find the right balance of treating ADHD while supporting emotional wellbeing

Conclusions

• Current evidence doesn’t support anxiety and depression as common side effects of ADHD medications
• More research specifically focused on emotional effects of these medications is needed
• Parents should maintain open communication with providers about any mood or anxiety changes in their children